Better Than Gold 

By the Author of 
The Winning of Latane 



Copyright, 1914, by 
Oliver Perry Parker 



All Rights Reserved 

to 

The National Drama Co., Gibson, Tenn. 

From whom permission must be had for 
each production 



P5 353I 



To my Mother 
My Heroine Pattern 



-51914 



/ 



I 



CLARKE a BRO.. MEMPHIS. TENN. 

Q)CI.D 36258 



BETTER THAN GOLD is the result of 
two forces — the unexpected success of 
my first play (The Winning of Latane), 
and an ambition to write a better one. 

This play is designed for amateurs, and can 
be staged wherever plays are given. Do not 
discredit the boys and girls by thinking it is 
too heavy for them. There is inborn in every 
boy and girl a love for action, and a good plot 
brings this out. They will learn the lines 
more easily and take more interest in a good 
play than they will in "Blood and Thunder." 

The author therefore presents this play in 
the hope that it may find friends who will 
give it the chance to make good. If it fails 
the loss will fall on the National Drama Co., 
for they do not ask a penny for unsatisfactory 
productions. Write them for terms and res- 
ervations. 

The Author. 
Gibson, Tenn. 
Jan. 19th, '14. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



THE CARPENTERS: 

HOWARD, SR.— Wealthy gold miner. 
ELIZABETH— His wife. 
HOWARD— His philanthropic son. 
ROBERT WOOLSEY— His step-son. 
KLINK— Butler. 
GRINS— Howard's valet. 

THE KINGSLEYS: 

ANDREW— Wealthy gold miner. 

MARGUERITE— His designing wife. 

ALICE— Their daughter. 

McKLUSKY— Butler, 

PRINCE BAVARI— "Of the Hapsburgs." 

MISS ROBINSON— Howard's secretary. 

NELL TOONE— Mountain girl. 

AUNT LAURA— Mammy. 

BILL SINGLETON— Mountaineer. 

ALSO: 

DR. BASSETT. 
DR. SPEIGHT. 
DR. MAYBEN. 
DR. KING. 
HEAD NURSE. 

(NOTE — The above cast may be doubled as follows: 
Prince and Bill Singleton and any doctor; Alice and Nell; Andrew 
Kingsley and any doctor; Mrs. Kingsley and Nell and Mrs. 
Carpenter, or Miss Robinson or Head Nurse; Klink and Mc- 
Klusky. It is often the case that better productions may be 
had by these doubles. 

Time — Two hours. 



ACT I. 

SCENE — Parlor; Home of Andrew Kingslcy; 
evening. 

STAGE SETTING— Doors or portieres R. and 
L. Library table F. C. Two rockers R. and L. of 
table and half back. Settee L. and to rear. Such 
wall and other decorations as are convenient to give 
scene appearance of wealth. 

COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP— Prince, full eve- 
ning dress; hair brushed straight back and bristling; 
black mustache, turned up sharply at corners of 
mouth with chin penciled, to imitate goatee; gloves, 
hat and cane are not necessary, but can use monocle 
to good effect. This character should be good at 
imitating a foreigner's manner of speech. 

Mrs. Kingsley — Full evening dress; a woman of 
fifty, full of designs, and willing to sacrifice her 
daughter to society. 

Mr. Kingsley — Full evening dress; a man of 
sixty, prosperous and wealthy, and in sympathy 
with his wife's designs. 

Robert — Flashy street suit; a young fellow with- 
out a purpose, but ample plans of his own. 

McKlusky — Butler's suit; long, wide side-burns; 
should always stand at attention with chin high. 

Mr. Carpenter — Prince Albert; a man of sixty 
and much gold; has good intentions but they are 
neglected because of his greed for more gold. 

Howard — Elegant but modest business suit; a 
young man of twenty-two; make-up natural; manner 
unassuming but firm; has a purpose in life above 
hoarding of gold, and subordinates everything, 
except his love for Alice, to this purpose. 

Alice — Full evening dress, with display of jewels; 
sympathetic with Howard's view and loves him. 



(McKlusky enters, L., and stands at attention, 
chin high. Prince follows quickly, large bunch of 
violets in hand, crossing to center and looking round.) 



Prince — Vot? Iss she not here to grdreet me? 
Vy? 

McKlusky — (Waving him to chair.) Pray be 
seated, sir. (Going.) I will inform Mees Kingsley 
that you have come. (Stops and faces audience.) 
I am sure she will be sorry, sir. (Starts, L.) 

Prince — Vot.? You inzuldt me! Vot.? 

McKlusky — Indeed, no sir. I say she will be sorry 
she was not here to grdrdreeet you. (Leaves, L., 
quickly.) 

Prince — Ah, ha! I dakes inzuldts, any dings, 
schoost so I dakes de sveet Amerdrican Beauuty 
Rose mit all her millions. Ha, ha, hahe! Me leetle 
Prizess, you can keep me vait now vile you are so 
beau-u-tivol, und vile your pappa has so great big 
heaps ov GOOLD, mit big bright diamonds stuck in 
de tops ov him; but ven you have mardried me, und 
I haf se money pags, veil, den you vill not be so very 
very beu-utivol, und I vill not love you so awful 
mudch. I vill led you cum pack to your dear Amer- 
drica und marry dees Carpenter chump — vile I 
dakes me dear Vilhelmina und sphends de Amerdrican 
goold in me villa in Southern Italy. Ah! it iss se 
sveet dream ov me life, und aldready I can taste de 
sveteness uf it all. Und schoost dink it iss so easy 
. . . But, vot ef she dell me dat she do not luf 
me? Vot ef she say again dat she luf dis Carpenter 
fellow? Subbose I fail in dees gdreat blan? Vot den? 
Veil, vot den? Ef I haf to I vill make such a pig 
noise vot dees house never saw pefore — und maybe 
her pappa vill pay me apout ONE HUNDRET 
TOUSAND TALLERS to shuttup. Ah, it iss easy. 
(Advances to front of stage.) Vy should Europe 
vorry, ven Amerdrican Pappas has blenty goold, 
und schoost von daughter ter sphend it on. (Enter 
Ahce, L.) Ah, me leetle Prinzess, (Going to her, 
offers violets. As she takes them, bows low over her 
hand and kisses it.) Vy do you keep m'e vait? Vy 
did you not meet me? Ven YOU show me neglect 
me heart keels me. 

Alice — Prince Bavari, do not feel that way. I 
was not expecting you so soon. 

Prince — Sudch sveet apologies. I forgive you 
mit all my poor heart und quvite forget de loneliness 
uv a few moments ago, ven I thought me leetle prin- 
zess did not care. You do care, don't you, me darling? 



(Advances.) O, assure me mit schoost von sveet 
kees from dose heavenly lips und den I cannot doubt 
you. (Attempts to kiss her. Alice breaks away, 
laughing nervously,) 

Alice — Not yet, Prince Bavari. If you are in- 
clined to doubt me, a kiss would make you doubt me 
more. 

Prince — Vy do you keep me vait. Do I deserve 
such punishment at your dear hands? Sveetheart, 
say you luf me. Lay your golden (or nut brown) 
head on my aching heardt, und led it zing you to 
schleep. 

Alice — I'm not sleepy, Prince, and until I am, 
my head does not need resting anywhere. (Sits on 
settee.) 

Prince — (Standing close by.) Den, you do not 
luf me? 

Alice — I'm afraid I do not. 

Prince — O, cruel, cruel words. De pierce my 
yearning heardt like one poisoned ardrow. Vy did 
you not dell me pefore I gave you my heardt und 
life; und vile I could still luf someone else.^^ 

Alice — Prince Bavari, I have never encouraged 
you to believe that I loved you; but I'm sorry, very 
sorry indeed, if you really care in such a way as to 
hurt. Can't you forgive me? 

Prince — O, leetle Drosebud, do not keel me. Dell 
me you are zhoking. I know you will not be plind 
to se grdreat sacrifice I have make for you. I come 
across se barriers of se Orinetal Courts mit se richest 
royalest blood in me veins — ignoring queens und se 
heardts of tousands Amerdrican beauties mit dey 
millions, (kneeling) to you as se von voman in all se 
world who can make me truly happy. Led me blace 
you at se head of me Royal Household und see you 
admired by EMPERORS und KINGS. Say you 
luf me. Cool me parching lips mit schoost von sveet 
kees. 

Alice — (Staying him with her hand and rising.) 
I'm sorry but I cannot give you any such assurance. 
(Crosses to C.) A kiss is too sweet a thing to be 
squandered. 

Prince — Skevandered? ' Vot iss skevandered? 

Alice — (Laughing.) Well, first let me tell you 
what a kiss is. Love plants it in the souls of babes 
. . . Nature transplants it to the garden of 



girlhood . . . Devotion calls it to the trembling 
lips of woman. When it is crushed by its soul-mate 
and robbed of the sweetness it contains, it becomes a 
Kiss. 

Prince — Don't keep me vait. I know what a 
kees iss. I haf had a tousand. 

Alice — Then ycu have had a plenty. 

Prince — Dere iss no blenty undil yours are all 
gone. (Attempts to kiss her.) 

Alice — If I should kiss you, I suppose you would 
call it one among a thousand. 

Prince — No, no. It would be a good start on 
another tousand. 

Alice — I grant you that it would, and we will 
leave the subject. How long do you remain in the 
states ? 

Prince — Undil you have keesed me. 

Alice — Then I advise that you buy a farm, and 
learn agriculture. 

Prince — I am not accustomed to being humiliated. 

Alice — That was a compliment. Prince. 

Prince — Inzults upon inzults! You shall kees 
me. Me brain is awhirl. Me blood scorches me 
veins. I vill not be denied. (Seizes her firmly.) 
Gif me dot kees or I die. 

Alice— STOP! 

Prince — No, no. I cannot stop undil you have 
keesed me. 

Alice — Stop, I say, or I'll scream for aid. 

(Enter Howard, R.) 

Prince — No, no, no. I cannot stop. 

Howard — (Seizes him in collar and roughly jerks 
him back.) You puppet! How dare you! Explain 
this ruffian conduct to me or I will break every bone 
n you. SPEAK! 

Prince — (Bristling.) Py vot autority you cum here 
where you not wanted to interfere mit OUR happiness? 

Howard — By the soverign authority of a gentle- 
man to go where he pleases to protect American 
womanhood from the pollution of such touch as 
yours. (Prince starts as for a gun, and Howard squares 
himself to knock him down. Alice springs before 
Howard, pushing him back. 

Alice — HOWARD! You forget he is Prince 
Bavari, and my guest. 

Prince — Yez! Und I vill hear your apologies. 



Howard — If I have intruded, Alice, I humbly beg 
pardon. I came here because I must see father at 
once. They told me at the club that he came here. 
If he is not here, your father will do. 

Alice — I have not seen Mr. Carpenter, but father 
is here. I will tell him you have come. (Exit, L.) 

Prince — (Who has been on L., front, twisting 
mustache, turns suddenly and misses Alice. Starts 
out after her.) 

Prince — Yez. VE vill tell him you haf cum. Und 
leave se pig Amerdrican bully in zis nice pig droom 
all py he-self. Hahahahaha. (Going.) 

Howard — Just a minute, Prince. I wish to speak 
to you. 

Prince — (Eyeing him closely with monocle.) Of 
course you would. A great many people want that 
honor, but I vill see YOU later, ven ladies are not 
about. (Going.) 

Howard — You will see me now. (Prince turns and 
advances towards Howard.) I am conscious, sir, 
of the disrespect to the place we are in; but I am much 
more sensible of the insult you have given me. Now, I 
am Howard Carpenter — a plain American gentleman — 
and I presume you are Prince Bavari, of the Austrian 
nobility. Am I correct.^^ 

Prince — (Folding his arms.) As to MY identity, 
you are quvite veil informed. 

Howard — I am willing that you should ignore what 
I say concerning myself. It does not matter. But 
I wish to say to you that I regret the unpleasantness 
of a few moments ago, AS WELL AS THE CAUSE 
FOR IT; and before I leave you under this roof with 
Miss Kinglsey, Prince or Peasant, I exact your 
promise that it shall not occur again. What have 
you to say? 

Prince — (Drawing himself up.) Simbly, dees, ef 
you dhrive me to tell you, though I did not want to 
hurt you, Mees KINGSLEY ISS MY AFFIANCED 
BRIDE. 

Howard — (Starting suddenly.) NO! 

Prince — Ha, ha, ha, YEZ. (Enjoys Howard's 
suffering.) Und ef you are an Amerdrican gentleman, 
as you are so fond of boasting you are, you vill not 
intrude yourself further into our happiness. 

Howard — (Slowly offering hand.) Prince Bavari, 
I offer you my sincerest apologies, and, and — con- 



gratulations. Be good to her, sir, or I swear there 
are not swords enough in your royal guard to prevent 
me from strangling you. 

Prince — Meester Carpenter, you are von noble 
fellow. Good-night. (Exit, L.) 

Howard — (Bewildered.) How strange this is! 
I wonder if it's true that Alice Kingsley — my life- 
long friend and sympathizer, whom I love as dearly 
as my strength will let me — could find it in her 
heart to hurt me like this! Could such as she accept 
my love and adoration for so long, then when it is 
impossible for me to forget her, ignore my rightful 
claim in this manner? Indeed, I wonder if I have 
come to the end of the golden thread she has woven 
and interwoven in the fabric of my life almost since 
it was strung on the loom of Time. (Brightening.) 
Why, no — there is a mistake, and I shall soon know 
that I was a coward to doubt her. (Enter Mr. 
Kingsley, L.) 

Mr. Kingsley — Why, good evening, Howard. 
(Offers hand.) 

Howard — Good-evening, Mr. Kingsley. 

Mr. K. — Glad to see you. (Waves him to chair.) 

Howard — I'm sorry it is necessary for me to pro- 
long your business hours, for I know you are tired 
and need rest, but I have exhausted every means to 
find father and failed. 

Mr. K. — Apologies are out of order, Howard. I 
am always ready to talk business. What is it. 

Howard — I have just returned from Georgia 
and have some news for you and father which I feel 
sure will tickle your old, greedy fingers. 

Mr. K. — There you go again, preaching against 
GREED. Your father and I make lots of money, 
and I tell you, boy, it is mighty nice to have more 
than anybody. 

Howard — Yes, money is a great power, indeed. 
I have never had as much as I wanted, or as much 
as I needed, but if I can drive a good bargain with you 
and father, I shall soon have a great deal. 

Mr. K. — That sounds good, Howard. I'm surely 
glad to see you turning your mind towards more im- 
portant matters. I know your father will be glad, 
for he has always wanted you to give up your work 
amongst the poor and prepare yourself to take charge 
of the vast fortune you will inherit from him. 



10 



Howard — Mr. Kingsley, it would be impossible 
for me to give up the work I have started. I find 
happiness and contentment in it, and the further 
I go, the more certain I am that I can never do any- 
thing else. I have no plans for the future which do 
not include a greater effort in this direction. 

Mr. K. — Howard, you could make a world of 
money, if you would devote your time to it. 

Howard — I do make a great deal of money, Mr. 
Kingsley. 

Mr. K. — I know you do, but you do not let it 
accumulate. My boy, that is the secret of it all. Be- 
fore your money has time to do you any good, 
you throw it away on some charitable purpose. 
Unless you take your father's advice and mine, you 
will never have the satisfaction of seeing your work 
count for something. 

Howard — You mean in yours and father's way of 
thinking, and measuring values. 

Mr. K. — You will find that we are right, and I 
sincerely hope it will not be too late. 

Howard — Maybe so. But until then I shall con- 
tinue to follow a different purpose. My business here 
tonight is to raise more money for what you call 
foolishness. Father will be here as soon as the mes- 
senger can find him. I wanted you two together, 
so that we might settle this matter tonight. (Pro- 
duces bag of gold nuggets from pocket and pours on 
table with rattle.) How does that look to you, Mr. 
Kingsley? 

Mr. K. — (Showing great elation.) GOLD! For 
Heaven's sake, Howard Carpenter, where did you 
find this gold? What does this mean? 

Howard — (Jokingly.) What will you give me to 
tell you? 

Mr. K.— We have paid as high as ONE MILLION 
DOLLARS for information like this. If there is 
much more where this came from, and of this quality, 
we will pay you whatever it is worth. (Enter Mc- 
Klusky, R., followed by Mr. Carpenter.) 

McKlusky — Mr. Carpenter. (Exit, R.) 

Mr. K. — By George! Carp, Hurrah! 

Mr. C. — Why, hello, son. When did you get back? 

Howard — I have just arrived — 

Mr. K. — And look what he came wagging in. 

Mr. C— (Examining nuggets.) GOLD! VALU- 

11 



ABLE GOLD! Where on earth did you get this, 
Howard? 

Mr. K. — That is what I asked him, but he says 
there must be some agreement before he will tell. 

Mr. C. — (In astonishment.) Why, that sounds 
mighty funny, coming from YOU, HOWARD. 
I'm truly glad to see you learning the value of gold. 
What agreement do you want boy.^ Hurry and name 
your terms, for we want to know where you found it. 

Mr. K. — Yes, don't keep us waiting. 

Howard — The agreement I ask is this: That one- 
half the profits from working this gold mine, which 
is situated on MY possessions, be given me to do 
with as I please. 

Mr. K. — You say the mine is on YOUR possessions? 

Howard — I do, sir. 

Mr. C. — You lucky dog. We agree. 

Mr. K. — Yes, we accept your terms. Now tell 
us where it is. 

Howard — You remember, father, not long ago I 
begged you out of $10,000.00, to finish out the amount 
I needed to build a home for the care of sick babies, 
who had no home or money of their own, or any one 
to properly care for them — just little neglected souls 
fighting circumstances and conditions far too great 
for their helpless hands? 

Mr. C— I don't soon forget giving away $10,000.00, 
my boy. 

Howard — I'm sorry that is a fact. You have 
given me a great deal of money and permitted me 
to use my own to promote the happiness of the down- 
trodden. And I am afraid you have always counted 
it a bad investment; but in this instance I believe 
you will find it a good investment FROM YOUR 
STANDPOINT. 

Mr. K. — (Pleasantly.) Howard, if you don't 
come right down to tacks and tell us where this gold 
came from, we will spank you. 

Mr. C. — Yes, I will help you. King. 

Howard — You old misers. Listen, while I pour 
a golden stream of luck into your eager ears. Down 
on my mother's mountain land in Northern Georgia, 
I lately decided to build a beneficent institution to 
her blessed memory, and remembering how tenderly 
she loved me and all other babies, I selected an institu- 
tion for the care of them in her home country. The 



I 



12 



work has been begun. Some sand was needed. 
I went with some laborers to find it. As they spaded 
it into the wagons, I saw glittering (Mr. K. and Mr. 
C. show interest) particles, and examined them. 

Mr. K. and Mr. C— Yes, yes, GO ON! 

Howard — It was gold. Above in the streams, 
those nuggets were found, and further explorations 
discovered an outcropping vein richer, I believe, far 
richer, than anything in all your possessions. 

Mr. K.— What will you take in GOLD for this 
tract of land. 

Mr. C. — Yes, name your price. We will buy it 
outright. 

Howard— GENTLEMEN! Including you, father. 
I have told you I was building a monument to my 
mother on this land. DO YOU THINK YOU 
COULD BUY IT FROM ME.^ 

Mr. C. — We did not mean to put it that way, son. 

Mr. K. — Indeed, no. 

Howard — I know you didn't. It is the gold that 
blinds you to all sense of fairness to the living and 
the dead. I hope both of you will get your eyes 
opened and be lifted up to a higher vision plane where 
you will see something in life that is better than 
gold. Now, if you agree to my terms, have your 
engineers ready to go back with me tonight. 

Mr. C. — Indeed, we accept such a liberal offer. 
Here, take this ore to our chief chemist and bring 
us his opinion on it as soon as possible. Bring it 
back here. We will draw up the agreement and have it 
ready when you return. 

Howard — (Laughing.) Remember to make it 
binding, now. (Exit, R.) 

Mr. K.— What do you think of that for luck? 
Why cannot our engineers stumble upon such rich 
finds ? 

Mr. C. — I cannot understand it. If anybody 
but Howard Carpenter had brought this wonderful 
story to me, I should have laughed him down. We 
have searched the mountains in North Georgia for 
gold for years. We have found strong indications, 
but never ore worth working. And now this boy has 
found it. I do not doubt that it is there in abundance. 

Mr. K. — Of course it is there. And under the 
agreement that boy will have money enough to build 
a wonderful institution. It will make his great hos- 

X3 



pital here in New York look smalL Carp, that boy 
is a wonder. 

Mr. C. — Thank you, King. Of course I think so. 
I have spent my life in piling up a great fortune for 
him. I have given him every advantage — private 
tutors, the best universities in the East and abroad, 
travel and everything his heart could wish. And 
I fanc3^ he is something more than the average boy. 

Mr. K. — Indeed he is. He is a noble man, and 
you should be proud of him. 

Mr. C. — I am. King. But there is one thing that 
distresses me. He will not take any interest in our 
business. We are getting old, King, and there is no 
one to take charge of our vast interests and continue 
the work we have spent our lives in. It has often 
occurred to me that if . . . that we ... . 
ah, it is a very delicate subject, my old friend. 

Mr. K. — Speak freely. Carp, my sympathies are 
with 3^ou in all things. 

Mr. C— I feel assured of that, but I do not know 
what 3^ou will think of my proposition. We both 
know from experience that no man is at his best 
until he is happily married. 

Mr. K. — I wouldn't dare tell Marguerite anything 
to the contrary. I know you speak the truth. And 
I might as well say I know also what you have to 
propose. It is impossible. My daughter is heart and 
soul with Ploward in this foolish philanthropy busi- 
ness. The best part of her life has been spent in his 
great hospital. There is never a holiday she does not 
separate me from a wad of money to aid her in her 
little pet charities. If they marry, our fortunes 
would not last through their honeymoon. 

Mr. C. — Then I understand you — 

Mr. K. — Yes. I am against this marriage. It is 
impossible. Our daughter is engaged to Prince 
Bavari, of Austria. Haven't you seen the evening 
papers announcing this important social affair .^^ 

Mr. C. — (Rises and goes front, remaining silent.) 

Mr. K. — Wh}^ are you so silent. Don't you think 
I deserve to be congratulated on my daughter's 
great success? 

Mr. C. — I was thinking of my boy. He will never 
live down this disappointment. 

Mr. K. — Such talk is folly, old man. He will now 
turn his mind to business and be a true Carpenter. 



14 



I have done the best I could and am very proud that 
my daughter is to sit in the Courts of the East. 
It is costing me pretty high, but the honor to my 
family is worth it, sir. 

Mr. C. — Stop. From what you say, I infer that 
your family would not have been honored by a mar- 
riage to my son. Do you fancy I appreciate such 
insults. I came here to offer you as a husband for 
your daughter a worthy iVmerican gentleman, and 
you insist on prating about honor to your family. 

Mr. K. — My old friend, we should not allow this 
small matter to get between us. 

Mr. C— small matter, INDEED. AN- 
DREW KINGSLEY, you have played me false for 
the first time in your life. It is humiliating to me to 
realize that you would give a woman like Alice in 
marriage to some vagabond prince, who will squander 
your gold and your daughter, too, rather than to MY' 
son. I sincerely hope it will be a happy marriage, 
but I am inclined to believe he will rob, divorce and 
send her back home to you — a lot wiser and more 
experienced,, but far less beautiful and rich. In the 
meantime I hope my son may grow worthy of her. 
And since this is the way you feel towards me and 
mine, I serve notice that our partnership is at an end, 
sir. When you have finished your plans as to this 
engagement, you may take up the matter of a dis- 
solution of our business interests. Tell Howard to 
bring the report to me at home, and do not let him 
see Alice. It might cheapen her. (Exit, R., mad.) 

Mr. K.— Ha, ha, ha. Mad. I wonder if HOWARD 
CARPENTER, SENIOR, thinks I would marry 
my daughter to his money-wasting fool, rather than 
to one of the HAPSBURGS.? Not much. A few 
silly tears may scald the bloom from their youthful 
cheeks for awhile, but it will come back again, and the 
jewels in Alice's crown be brighter because of them. 
(Mrs. K., L.) 

Mrs. K. — Andrew, don't you think you should 
go in and show your respects to the Prince.^ 

Mr. K. — I showed that this afternoon when I 
agreed to pay off the mortgage on his blooming old 
castle and settle an annuit}^ of — O, I forget how much. 
I don't want to see him until I have made more 
money. 

Mrs. K. — O, don't worry about what it is costing 

X5 



us. The honor is worth all of it. (Picking up book.) 
Just listen to this description of the celebration of a 
prince's wedding in court. (Reads.) "At these 
functions the King and Queen, and all members of 
the royal household," — now just listen to this part — 
"INCLUDING the parents of such brides as may 
be of birth foreign to the blood royal" — that's us — 
"are dressed as for occasions of state." (Closes 
book.) O, won't we feel grand. I'm so glad Alice 
is not going to marry Howard Carpenter, as we thought 
for a while she would. 

Mr. K. — Well, you need have no fears about that. 
His father has been here this evening with a big 
proposition to unite our fortunes by this very mar- 
riage. 

Mrs. K. — The designing wretch! He has seen the 
evening papers and thinks he can spoil our plans. 

Mr. K. — If he undertakes it I will spend my last 
dollar to defeat him. In this matter I'm determined. 
Alice shall marry the Prince, or I will disown and 
drive her into the street. 

Mrs. K. — It is plain that we must be very firm 
with her. All girls have to be driven into their best 
interests, and she is no exception. At first she seemed 
pleased, but lately she has seemed not to care. If 
she refuses the Prince it will bring the most humiliat- 
ing scandal, and all New York will laugh. Andrew, 
don't let her see Howard Carpenter again. One 
word from that man would spoil everything. They 
would marry and the next thing we would know of 
them they would be members of the Salvation Army 
in the highest of standing. 

Mr. K. — (Rising.) Something must be done. He 
is coming back with some reports, and I must let 
him in. If not, he will suspect something, and there 
are not enough police in New York to keep him out. 

Mrs. K. — Such blunders. Leave him in my hands, 
I will take care of him. 

Mr. K. — He ought to be here in short time. Tell 
him his father has the contracts and left word for 
him to come home immediately. (Exit, L.) 

Mrs. K. — I did not spend a fortune traveling the 
continent looking for a suitable husband for my 
daughter to have it spoiled by a street Preacher like 
HOWARD CARPENTER. He prates about truth 
and honor and contentment worth more than gold. 

16 



Now it stands me in hand to test his sincerity. After 
all, thank goodness, he is a man of honor and will be 
a gentleman. I must play along this line. What 
shall it he? I have it. If, when he comes here, he 
could hear a wedding ceremony being said, and 
could make him believe it that of Alice, he would hide 
himself away and nurse his broken heart in silence. 

McKlusky — (Entering, R., and followed by Rob- 
ert.) Mr. Robert Woolsey. 

Mrs. K. — Ah, Robert, of all people in the world 
I would rather see you right at this time. You are 
entirely welcome. McKlusky leave us. 

McKlusky — (Bowing low.) Yes, madam. (Exit, 
R.) 

Mrs. K. — Robert, could I depend on you in a 
tight place. 

Robert — -If it has to do with this love affair, I 
am with you. Mr. Carpenter came home in a terrible 
rage, and I was so tickled, I just had to run over and 
learn more about it. 

Mrs. K.— I knew you would be my friend. Mr. 
Carpenter has never treated you right. When he 
married your mother I thought he was going to give 
you a fair chance. He has not. Howard is in your 
way. Why don't you get him out? 

Robert — I have made many a plan to do so, but 
my nerve fails me in the pinch. 

Mrs. K. — Had you ever thought that if he and 
Alice should marry, they would get every penny 
his father has.^ Now, I am trying to prevent this 
very marriage, and need your help. If I can make 
Howard believe she does not love him, he will leave 
New York and never return. You will be free to do 
as you please. 

Robert — I'll help you do anything. 

Mrs. K. — He's coming here again in a few moments. 
Go into that room and when you hear me approach 
the door begin an old-fashioned ceremony. Make it 
short and to the point. And when you come to that 
part that goes, "If any man know a reason, etc.," 
make it strong. 

Robert — (Imitating in deep voice.) "Or forever 
hold his peace." 

Mrs. K. — Excellent. Just duplicate that and leave 
the rest with me. (Exit Robert, L.) (Taps bell for 
McKlusky. Enter McKlusky.) McKlusky, when 

17 



Mr. Howard Carpenter returns, show him in here at 
once. If you let him go elsewhere you shall suffer 
for it. Use the West entrance and meet him on the 
drive. Get on guard and do as I say, or the Prince 
will spit you on his sword. Hurry, I hear someone 
coming. (Exit, McKlusky, R.) When they get 
home to their glittering castle, strong arms and 
glittering armor will prevent any such interference 
with their happiness. (Enter McKlusky, R., fol- 
lowed by Howard, paper in hand.) 

McKlusky — Mr. Howard Carpenter. 

Mrs. K. — I'm glad to see you Howard. 

Howard — (Holding out paper.) Tell me, is that 
true? 

Mrs. K. — Not exactly. The announcement states 
they are to be married soon, but a late cable advises 
that important matters of state demand the Prince's 
attention, and so they are to be married tonight. 

Howard— MRS. KINGSLEY! Alice to be mar- 
ried TONIGHT? 

Mrs. K. — Aren't you glad she has caught a noble- 
man? 

Howard — May I speak just one word to her? 

Mrs. K. — O, certainly. But really, we have no 
time to lose. They are booked for passage on the 
Tirembic, which sails at midnight, but because you 
and she have been such dear old friends, I think it 
would not be right to deny you the pleasure of seeing 
her before she is Alice Kingsley no more. (Ap- 
proaches door.) 

Robert — (Off stage.) Alice Kingsley, do you take 
this man — 

Mrs. K.— Too late. 

Howard — (Advancing.) Let me pass, I will speak. 

Mrs. K. — Do not make a fool of yourself. (Howard 
hesitates.) 

Robert — If any man know a reason why these 
two should not wed, let him speak now. 

Howard — (Starts as if to force his way past. 
Mrs. Kingsley raises hand.) 

Mrs. K.— MR. CARPENTER. (Howard stops.) 

Robert — Or forever hold his peace. I pronounce 
you man and wife. 

Howard — Or forever hold his peace. (Say this 
slowly.) 

Mrs. K. — Good-night, Mr. Carpenter. 

18 



Howard — Mrs. Kingsley, if j^ou designed this 
humiliation to crush me you have succeeded far 
beyond anything you could have hoped. I knew 
you did not want your daughter to marry me, but 
I never dreamed that you loved her so little as to 
barter her away like this in order that your social 
ambitions might be gratified. Small wonder that 
you have always ridiculed my efforts to correct some 
of the damning faults of society, calling me street- 
preacher, milk-sop and fool. All these things I may 
be, but so long as wealth creates such wickedness 
in high places and God gives me the light to see it, 
you will find me in the vanguard with what little 
strength I may have, trying to combat it. It is true 
that you have designed a plan and worked it in the 
dark to the end that my sweetest contentment is 
entirely gone. But in doing so you have fired the 
fagots which shall burn away the rubbish and leave 
the one purpose of my life pure and strong. I pity 
you. Good-night. (Exit, R.) 

Mrs. K. — What a sermon. If Alice should even 
think of marrying that fanatic, I would never speak 
to her again. 

Robert — (Entering L., hurriedly.) O, Mrs. Kings- 
ley, everything is going to the demnition bow-wows. 
Alice has ordered the Prince from the house and 
swears she will never speak to him again. He is 
raging like a mad bull, and speaks of damages and 
slander. Go to him at once, or everything is lost. 
(Enter Prince, followed by Mr. K. Both making 
gestures, and Prince, L. talking excitedly and cross- 
ing to R. Mr. K. stepping L.) 

Prince — Mine honor spoiled — my fair name made 
a zhoke for se peasants. Humiliation, disgrace, 
scandal. You shall pay for dees, Mr. Kingsley. 
Verdy, verdy dearly. 

Mrs. K. — O, Prince Bavari, you do not under- 
stand Alice. It is the American way to add zest to 
love affairs. 

Prince — Dom se Amerdrican way. I do not zest. 
I vill haf damages to my personal inzhurry. New York 
shall know, and it vill laugh at you. Heee. 

Mrs. K. — O, this will never do. Bring Alice here. 
She will explain. 

Alice — (At door.) Do not send for me. I am here 
and will explain. That brute insulted me more than 

19 



once. He is hideous. I would not marry him if the 
propagation of the human race were at stake. 

Prince — Br-r-r-r-r-r. Vot? 

Mr. K.— ALICE! 

Alice — Don't stop me, I will speak. As compared 
to Howard Carpenter that man could walk bolt 
upright around his ankles as a dwarf goes round a 
mountain. 

Mr. K. — You are a fool! 

Alice — Why.^ Why.^ Because I will not lay my 
heart on the alter of your social ambitions and be sold 
into the bondage of this lascivious wretch.^ I came 
near doing it, but thanks to the love that emanates 
from my heart for another, I am strengthened to 
defend myself. You have scorned me and hell hath 
no fury like the hurt I feel. I have no father and 
mother to defend me. You, who claim to be such 
bedeck me with these diamonds and pearls until I look 
like a bawdy and would sacrifice my happiness for 
the envy of the "400." O, for Heaven's sake, put 
him out or my heart will burst with rage. (This 
point m.ust be worked up to in an increasing rage.) 

Prince— I vill haf ONE HUNNEED TOUSAND 
TALLERS FOR DEES INSULTS. But ef you 
pays me dot mudch, I vill let se incidents thrap. 

Mrs. K. — Pay him, Andrew. We cannot afford 
to be scandalized. 

Alice — Pay him nothing, father. Order him from 
the house. 

Mr. K. — Alice, you shall marry the Prince tonight, 
or, if not, do not call me father, but leave my house 
and never let me see your face again. 

Alice — (Pleadingly.) Father! (Mr. K. turns 
coolly.) Mother! (Kneeling.) 

Mrs. K. — Will you marry the Prince? 

Alice — Not if it saved (rising) your sinful souls 
from hell, and brought ten thousand kings and em- 
perors begging at my feet and I could gratify your 
foolish ambitions by turning them over to beg of you. 
I expect to reign as queen, but I purpose it shall be 
in the kingdom of love, the consort of a noble man, 
whom you now hate, but I prophesy some day you will 
be glad to have him smile on you. 

Father, if I loved you less it would be easier to 
choose. (Taking off jewels.) I know you too well 
to try to dissuade you from your determination. 

20 



I 



But in truth and honor I cannot do otherwise then, 
choose the way with less splendor and grandeur, but 
far more love and happiness. Here are my jewels 
worth slightly more than the $100,000.00 damages 
exacted by the Prince. I take the blame for this 
regrettable incident, and wish to pay the cost of it. 
(Hands jewels.) These costly gems would not look 
well on a working girl in gingham. 

Prince Bavari, you will find it an easy matter to 
find a Princess who would be far more satisfactory 
that I could ever be. I'm afraid I do not quite ap- 
preciate the honor of the title you offer me. (Going 
L.) I prefer to live in this sweet old land of Liberty, 
the faithful wife of an American gentleman. 

(CURTAIN.) 



ACT II. 



SCENE — Study, home of Howard Carpenter, Sr.; 
midnight same day. 

STAGE SETTING— Any parlor or plain room, 
with doors or portieres R. and L. Walls decorated 
with a few college banners and at least two pictures — 
one on R. C, one on L. C, turned to wall. 

PROPERTIES— Library table or desk in C, end 
to audience. Chairs on either side. Small table and 
typewriter. Letter heads, envelopes and letter tray. 
Shoe for erins. 

COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP— All who were in 
Act I, same. Mrs. Carpenter, elegant kimono, 
hair powdered to slight gray to represent woman of 
fifty. Miss Robinson, in street suit, with hat and 
gloves. Klink, as valet, with heavy side-burns. 
Grins, as valet, with gray wig. 



(Enter Klink, L., followed by Miss Robinson.) 
Klink — Pray be seated. Madam. I will inform 

Mr. Howard that you are here. (Going.) You are 

his private secretary, I believe. 

Miss R. — Yes. (Exit Klink, R.) I wonder why 



21 



Mr. Carpenter has sent for me at this hour of the 
night. Some 10,000 words of dictation on some new 
lecture or book, I suppose. If it were anybody but 
Mr. Carpenter, I would not work at such unreason- 
able hours. (Enter Grins, R., elegant shoe on hand 
and rubbing it with clean cloth.) 

Grins — 'Enin', Miss Robinson. 

Miss R. — Good evening. Grins. 

Grins — Massar 'Oward '1 be in in er minit. 

Miss R. — Thank you. That is a good looking 
shoe you have there. Why do you wear it on your 
hand? 

Grins — 'Cause I cain't git hit on ma foot. 

Miss R. — That's a pretty good reason. By that 
means you are able to wear a small, stylish, gentle- 
man's shoe, when otherwise you could not. Is that it.^ 

Grins — Yassam. 'Ceptin I wears dis kind uv 
er shoe jest long ernuf ter git hit spick an span as 
er Sunday shirt funt, en as shiny as ma face. Massa 
'Oward sho' duse like er clean shoe. En I likes ter 
keep 'em dat way fur him. He's goin' away ternight, 
en I hopes he'll take me wid him — 'cause he said he 
mought neber cum back any mo'. He sho' am hurt 
'bout sumpin'. 

Miss R. — Tell me what it is, Grins. 

Grins — I don't know, ma'am. See dat pictur up 
dar? He cum in er while ergo, en he looked at hit 
fur er long time, en neber said er word. Den he 
turned hit roun' right slow lack. En den hit looked 
ter dis ole nigger lack his eyes wus wet. (Miss R. 
turns picture enough to see it.) 

Miss R.— ALICE KINGSLEY! Have you been 
faithless? He loved you in such a way he cannot soon 
forget. (Enter Howard, R., affecting light-hearted- 
ness.) 

Howard — This is either a very late or a very early 
start for a day's work, isn't it. Miss Robinson? 

Miss R. — The latest, or the earliest, I remember 
to have made. 

Howard — Yes, I know it is an unreasonable hour, 
and I deeply appreciate your kindness to come. I 
am leaving New York tonight, and just when I shall 
return is very indefinite. Maybe never. 

Miss R.— (Waits silently.) 

Howard — Miss Robinson, my heart is broken. 
My future, which has always spread out before me a 

22 



beautiful panorama of happiness, has suddenly been 
overcast with an ominous cloud of infidelity. It is 
more than I can bear alone. I have no sister to go 
to. My mother is dead, and father doesn't care. 
So I come to you for advice and help. 

Miss R. — It is a great compUment and if I can aid 
you, Mr. Carpenter, I shall be happy. 

Howard — I want a woman's view and estimate of 
love. Can a woman love and ever forget it? 

Miss R. — A true woman? 

Howard — (Thinks.) Yes. 

Miss R. — No. Except sometimes long enough to 
renew her strength to love more and better. 

Howard — That would seem to hold out some hope, 
and my hungry heart cries out for it. Yet I know it 
cannot be. 

Miss R. — Mr. Carpenter, I can tell you from an 
experience much fuller than the world knows anything 
about that love is the strongest power in the world, 
and never goes unrequited. The way may often 
seem rugged with no stars to guide, yet the end comes 
and with it love's reward. 

Howard— Thank you, my friend, for your com- 
forting sympathy. I shall face it with what strength 
I have; and when I have forgotten, I shall return and 
we will work together again. In the meantime, I will 
ask that you look after the proofs of my last book. 
I will give you an order on the publishers so that they 
will deliver to you the proofs and accept your O. K. 
on them. Have you a note book handy? I will 
give you the dictation. (Miss R. opens note book 
and picks up pencil.) ''Merrill & Co., City. I shall 
be out of the city for some time and have arranged 
with my private secretary. Miss Robinson, the bearer 
hereof, to read and approve the proofs shortly to 
come from your press. Please consult with her as 
you would with me and accept her word as final in 
all matters pertaining to my business." (Takes 
up letter head.) I will sign my name here on this 
letter head, giving room for the order. So that you 
need not trouble to transcribe the order tonight. 
Tomorrow you can write that order above my sig- 
nature. You see, I have the utmost confidence in 
your sincerity as well as your ability. 

Miss R.— (Rising.) I shall try very hard to merit 
both. 

23 



Howard — Thank you a thousand times for coming 
tonight, and take good care of yourself. Good-bye 
(Offers hand.) 

Miss R. — Good-bye, Mr. Carpenter. My sympa- 
thies are with you. 

Howard — Thank you. (Exit, Miss R., L.) (Grins 
enters, R., shoe in hand.) Grins, have you finished 
packing.^ 

Grins — Putty nigh. Dat Ishmans wants ter know 
does yer want ter take yer Otty-mobile wid yer. 

Howard — Yes. I want it started at once. Tell 
him to send the Roadster. 

Grins — Yassar. Massar 'Oward, I'se gwine ter 
be powerful lonesome here widout yer. I'se got de 
blues already. 

Howard — What gave you the blues. Grins .^^ 

Grins — I don't know, sah, onless it war missin' 
dat shinin' face up dar. (Points to picture.) Don't 
yer want me ter take hit down en pack hit up so'se 
you kin take hit wid yer.^^ (Howard turns and looks 
at picture.) 

Howard — Yes, I want you to, but you must not. 
Fate has turned that picture and you and I must 
let it remain so. 

Grins — Massar 'Oward, whut am fate.^ 

Howard — (Slowly turning back and sits on desk 
in center. Grins remains solemn and motionless. — ) 
Fate.^ Why, my faithful old friend, fate is that un- 
avoidable destiny that stalks the earth hand in hand 
with happiness, and sometimes leads it headlong to 
destruction. It is the canker worm which steals 
into the fairest rose and eats its heart away — then 
laughs to see her fair petals wither and fall. Fate is 
the biting frost which drives the bloom from the 
cheek of the peach and makes want where plenty was. 
Fate is the wintry wind that freezes the blood in the 
human heart and destroys its fondest hopes and pur- 
poses. 

Grins — Ain't dar no way er tall ter dodge hit.^^ 

Howard — None. (Enter Mr. Carpenter, L.) When 
we think we are secure we fall. Today I loved life 
and its promises. To live was glorious. Tonight I 
feel the hoary frost of fate on my head. It chills 
every drop of blood in me and makes me wish I had 
never been. 

Mr. C. — (Advancing and placing hand on Howard's 



24 



shoulder. Exit Grins, R., slowly.) Howard, my 
boy, I am sorry for you. 

Howard — Father, if I had not loved to the ex- 
clusion of everything God ha created, it would be 
easier for me to give back to her the things that 
are hers. To give her all that is hers would make 
me a bankrupt, indeed; for there is not a good thing 
about me she did not give. My highest appreciation 
for the beautiful in art, literature and music came 
through her influence. My hatred for the low and 
Tulgar came only through seeing the lack of them 
in her. She has been faithless, and it crushes me 
but yet I love her. My life is hers, and thank heaven 
I feel no blame for her. 

Mr. C. — She does not deserve such devotion. 

Howard — Stop, father! Do not speak unkindly 
•f her. 

Mr. C. — I beg your pardon, son. I know she is 
not to blame. The sin is at her father's door. Forget 
her, Howard, and let this be the means of turning 
your attention to my business. From this day on 
my relations with Andrew Kingsley are at an end, 
and I need you. 

Howard — Father! You don't mean — 

Mr. C. — Do you think I would associate with a 
man who does not regard my family as worthy of his 
own? The Carpenters, my son, have made good 
to an enviable degree for generations, and I want 
you to join me now and prepare yourself to continue 
the family prestige. 

Howard — Father, I have but one ambition, and 
that is to add to the fame and glory of the name of 
Carpenter. But it is in a different line of endeavor 
to yours and the generations that have gone. I 
do not seem to care for the glamor and splendor of 
the society of the rich. My heart leads me past the 
castle with its gaiety, cut glass and old wines, to the 
icy alleys and hovels where the unfortunate and 
improvident are. I cannot get away from the faith 
that these are my brethren. 

Mr. C. — That is a noble and praiseworthy senti- 
ment, my boy, but I do not see why you should give 
it all your time and means. 

Howard — Indeed, it is strange. I cannot quite 
understand it myself. But it is true, nevertheless, 
that I find my greatest happiness in gathering a little 

26 



frozen, hungry, neglected boy or girl under my big, 
warm overcoat, and assuring him that I am his friend. 
I believe your old heart would feel a strange sensa- 
tion if you could watch the nurses bring from under 
the dirt and grime of a city's neglect a fair youth with 
love and gratitude overflowing his heart as he ex- 
periences for the first time in his life the comfort of 
clean nighties and a well-fed stomach. Then, father, 
when he has been tucked away in a cozy little bed, 
and for the first time in his life sleeps in comfort, to 
go with me and look down on him and feel in your 
heart what is meant by "In as much as ye did it 
unto the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto 
me." Do not ask me to give it up. If in the wreck- 
age Alice has made, I can still feel determined to 
go ahead, I beg you not to hinder. Let me forget 
that she has been the balancing power in my life. 
(Turning to pictures.) Between these two pictures 
I have worked and dreamed. The dynamo that 
drove me was the combined influences of these two 
good women — my mother and my sweetheart. She 
(indicating Alice) has taken herself away. She 
(indicating his mother) was taken long ago. Her 
memory is sweet and powerful and bears me up in 
this dark hour to be a man. She was pure and good 
and kind, and loved you and me I know. And down 
in Georgia, where the birds sing as nowhere else in all 
the world — where you found, woed and won her — 
I purpose to build such a memorial to her blessed 
memory as will proclaim to all earth in accents fit 
only for the tongues of angels a mother's undying 
love for her babe. Father, I am going to the end of 
my strength. Won't you join me? 

Mr. C— (Offering hand.) My boy, $100,000,000.00 
and a father's sympathetic heart are behind you. 

Howard — Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 
I'm going tonight. (Enter Grins.) Grins, do you 
want to go with me.'^ 

Grins — Lawd, yes. 

HowADR — Do you thinkyo u could learn to run a 
car? 

Grins — (Imitating a car, and going R.) I'll git 
ma duds. (Exit.) 

Howard — We'll make it, alright. Good-bye. 

Mr. C.— Good-bye. (Exit, Howard, R.) He'll 
want to take that old negro to heaven with him. 

26 



(Bitterly.) Andrew Kingsley shall pay dearly for 
this. 

Mrs. C. — (Entering.) Howard, why is everything 
so upset here tonight? Must Alice Kingsley 's mar- 
riage cause such a commotion that no one can sleep? 
Howard should have been paying some attention 
to her, instead of forever monkejdng with his rotten 
charity. 

Mr. C. — Elizabeth, if that is the way you feel 
towards my son, I ask that you do not express your- 
self tonight — or ever. 

Mrs. C. — I do not see why you resent the truth 
so sharply. If my boy had got into such a muddle 
you would say he was a fool. But for some strange 
reason, you always pet Howard and condemn my 
son. 

Mr. C. — (Going L.) We are not going to open this 
lengthy argument at this late hour. I have done 
more for Robert than he deserves, because he is your 
son, and you are my wife. But since you insist on 
driving me to it, I say again, that until he stops 
drinking, gambling and disgracing all of us with his 
disgraceful associations with the scum of the earth, 
I am done with him. If he wants to be a man, I 
will give him every advantage. But until then, 
nothing. Good-night. (Exit, L.) 

Mrs. C. — It is not right that Howard should 
have everything and my son only $300 a month to 
s])end. I know he dissipates, but he will quit that 
some day. (Working to extreme right.) If he had 
Howard's chances to make money, he would soon be 
rich. (Enter Robert and Prince, L., Mrs. C. is not 
seen by them.) 

Robert— Shhh. These are his WORKROOMS, 
and when he is in the city he stays here or monkeys 
with the poor devils in the gutter. 

Prince — Vot a strange vellow. It iss a grdreat 
pity to kill him. But ef Mees Kingsley tell him all, 
he vill sthrangle me. He said as mudch, en I pelieve 
him. 

Robert — She will never have the pleasure of telling 
him anything. (Sees his mother.) Shhh. Step into 
the next room and wait until I call you. (Exit 
Prince, L.) (Feigning drunk.) Musher, hie, are 
yer goin' ter sthay up, hie, all night, hie, in celebra- 
tion er dish broken heart? 



Mrs. C. — (Going to him.) Oh! my boy, my boy! 
I heard what you said. Promise me you will do noth- 
ing to harm Howard. 

Robert — Alzhright. I promish. 

Mrs. C. — Who was that with you? 

Robert — Hie, zhat was my friend. He's gone 
home. Now, you run along to bed like er good girl. 

Mrs. C. — Come and let me put you to bed. 

Robert — I'm alzhright, hie, not drunk, hie, hjest 
drinkin . 

Mrs. C. — I'm going and pray that you will be a 
man. (Going.) 

Robert — I'm a purty good man, ain't I? (Exit 
Mrs. C, L.) Poor mother. I was hard to hurt 
her like that. But she knows I never come to these 
rooms for any good purpose. I had to fool her so that 
she would leave me and not believe what she heard. 
(Enter Prince.) 

Prince — Hey, vott.^ Vy didn't you send for me? 

Robert— Why didn't you give me time? 

Prince — Pecause it occurred to me dot ef zis 
Carpenter fellow find me in hes house dot I would 
vant to pe glose ter zumpody. 

Robert — (Looking R.) There goes his car. The 
room is ours. What plan have you to suggest? 

Prince — In ze first blaze ve had better blan not 
to haf dot car cum pack vid him. 

Robert — There is no danger of that. He is off 
for Georgia to nurse his broken heart in silence and 
try to forget. 

Prince — I hobe 'e forgeds dot I did not ged se 
chance ter be good to her, und dot pecause her 
pappa vus a dom fool, I scharged him one hunnert 
tousand tallers for it. 

Robert — If we do not follow him to the mountains 
and leave him there food for the crows, he will learn 
the truth. Then he will never stop until he has 
pummeled you into jelly. 

Prince — (Nervously.) Vot? You tdink zo? I 
gif you dis hunnert tousand ef you keel him. Dot iss 
VEN you haf keeled him. (Enter Klink. Prince 
thinks it is Howard and rushes across stage. Br-r-r-r-r. 
Gott und Himmel, Meester Carpenter. I'm here to 
apologize. (Turns.) Ah-h-h-h. 

Robert — Be quiet, you fool. Hie, you are dhrunk. 

Prince — Yez, hie, dhrunk, und haf no dhrink 

28 



to offer you, hie. (Robert and Prince, ad lib.) 

Klink — (Advancing and placing hand on Robert's 
shoulder.) Yez mither bordered me ter put yez ter 
bed, sir. 

Robert — Hie, ter hic'l wid yer, yer high chin 
Irishman, hie. Ain't I purty ernuf ter run my own 
bushness.f^ 

Klink — I'm sorry, sir, but I have me borders, sir. 

Prince — (Producing coins.) Dell hes musher, hie, 
you haf put him ter bet, und dot he schleeps. 

Klink — (Bowing low as he takes money.) De- 
pend on me, sir. (Exit, L.) 

Robert — That is more money than Klink has had 
in a year. We are wasting time. Prince. Somewhere 
in this r^om there is a bag of gold nuggets worth 
$1,000.00. I heard Mr. Carpenter tell mother Howard 
brought it back with him. (Looks in desk.) 

Prince— Pag uv GOOLD. Vare.? 

Robert — It may be in his room. (Goes R.) I 
will look there. 

Prince — (Looks round nervously when alone. 
Goes after Robert.) Ve vill bot look togedder. I 
fear you might haf ter fight him alone. (Re-enter 
Robert as Prince is about to exit.) 

Robert — It must be in his desk. (Enter Klink, 

Klink — A letter which de messenger said was to 
be given to no one but Meester 'Oward Carpenter, 
Jr. The messenger arrived in an ambulance from 
Mr. 'Oward's 'ospital and is waiting for an answer. I 
thought it might be himportant so brought it up. 

Robert — Let me see it. 

Klink — (Drawing back.) Pardon me, sir, but it 
is for no one but Meester 'Oward Carpenter, Jr. 

Robert — (Angrily.) Give me that letter, Khnk. 

Prince — (Producing roll of bills and peeling off 
one for Klink.) Ah-h-h. Vait, Meester Woolsey. 
(Hands bill.) Gif me dot leetle note. 

Klink — (Hands letter.) O, dot is different. Now 
I am sure yez will give it to Meester Carpenter. 
(Prince hands letter to Robert who opens and reads.) 

Robert — (Reading.) ''Dear Howard. You have 
been deceived." (Prince hands Klink another bill.) 

Prince — (To Klink.) He vas not deceived. 

Robert — (Reading on.) "Do not believe anything 
you hear, but come to me at once. I am at your 

29 



hospital. Your private ambulance is waiting at your 
door to bring you. Yours faithfully, Alice." 

Prince — (Knees trembling.) Gott und Himmel! 
Vot iss am-bu-lance.'^ I feel myself slips. 

Robert — Hold your nerve, Prince. 

Prince — (Trembling more.) I got him. 

Robert — Something must be done. 

Prince — Mebbe ef we get dhrunk ergin it vill pe 
petter. Vot.? 

Robert — (Goes to desk and sits.) This letter must 
be answered or the game is up. It will never do for 
Howard Carpenter to learn that she loves him. He 
must never know it; for if these two marry, this 
estate passes from my hands forever. I helped you 
rob old man Kingsley, now you are going to help me 
rob Howard of the Carpenter millions. 

Klink — The messenger is waiting. 

Prince — (Hurriedly gives another bill.) No, he 
iss not vaiting. 

Robert — (Discovers Howard's signature.) 
WHAT! His genuine signature on a blank page. 
Ye gods! I'm in luck. 

Prince — Vot.? 

Robert — (Holding up page.) Ha, ha, ha. How 
careless of him. Above that name I can write an 
order on the Chemical National and get any amount 
of money, for the impostor has unlimited credit. 
How much shall I write? 

Prince — Go ze limit. 

Robert — Klink, leave us. 

Klink — If yez need me I will help. 

Robert — Wait. May I depend on you, Klink, 
in a very tight place? 

Klink — The tighter, the better I would like it, sir. 

Robert — Then stay. Prince Bavari, this paper 
is worth a small fortune in itself if I use it to get 
money; but it is worth $100,000,000.00 to me if I 
can make Alice Kingsley believe he despises her. 

Prince — How? Dot vill not fill your pockets. 

Robert — You don't understand. When she gets 
the letter I am going to write above that name, she 
will leave him to pursue his work in Georgia. I will 
follow him down there and he will not follow me away. 
There is no other heir to this estate. 

Prince — Meester Woolsey, you vould make a good 
Prince, 

30 



Robert — Thanks, for the insult. Kllnk, can you 
imitate his writing? 

Klink — I write very poorly, except on the type- 
writer. 

Robert — By George! That makes it easy. There 
is a typewriter. Fall to it. It will seem more to her 
that he is in earnest. (Klink sits at typewriter.) 
Here, insert this sheet so as to make a letter of about 
twelve lines come down to the wonderful cognomen 
of HOWARD CARPENTER, Jr. (Khnk inserts 
letter.) (Dictating.) "Miss Alice Kingsley, care 
Howard Carpenter, Jr., Hospital for the Poor, City:'* 
It is going to take the whole durn page for the address, 
isn't it? 

Klink — I allowed for the address, sir. 

Robert — (Dictating.) '* Answering your letter 
just received by special messenger, I am leaving the 
city tonight and do not care to see you before I go. 
I think you should be satisfied with your perfidy and 
not seek to drag me further into the muck of your 
recent and odious flirtation with your great Austrian 
Prince." 

Prince — (Hands Klink another bill.) He iss 
dalkin' 'bout dot udder fellow. 

Robert — (Dictating.) *'My father desires me to 
state that he respectfully requests that you do not 
house yourself in my institution, and in this I heartily 
concur. Yours very truly," How about the sig- 
nature? 

Klink — (Looking.) Just right where it is, sir. 
(Takes letter out and addresses an envelope.) 

Robert — (Looks letter over.) Purty good stuff, 
if I did reel it off. (Places letter in envelope given him 
by Klink.) Here, give this to the waiting messenger. 
It will soothe the maiden's pain, and permit me to 
accomplish my purpose. (Exit Klink, L.) 

Prince — Meester Woolsey, I pelieve zis Amerdrican 
game iss too fast for me, en I vants ter pe pack on ze 
udder side uv ze pig plue pond ven Meester Car- 
penter, Jr., chokes ze stuffin' out uv you on ze moun- 
tains in North Georgia, en den looks roun' for ze 
Prince. 

Robert — And so you are showing the yellow, are 
you? Do you think I am going to help you steal 
$100,000.00 and let you take all of it back home with 



you? 



31 



Prince — Oh, ah, Meester Voolsey. How mu dch 
uv dot hunnert tousand must I give you? 

Robert — Ten thousand will do me for a while. 

Prince — (Pays him.) I gladlj^ gif you dot mudch. 
En now I leaf you. Good-night. (Starts L., returns.) 
O, I say, Meester Woolsey, are you sure dot AM- 
BU-LANCE is not yet aldready vaiting.?^ 

Robert — If it is I advise you to run like. 

Prince — Humiliation, disgraces, but ef I haf ter 
I pet its veil done. (Turns up trousers, and pulls 
hat down.) Here's good-night to your dear Amer- 
drica. (Starts L., enter Klink.) 

Klink — (Excitedly.) The messenger gave the 
letter to a lady in the ambulance who opened and read 
it. Then she sprang out and demanded to come in and 
see Meester 'Oward. I promised her I would ar- 
range an audience if she would wait at the door. What 
shall I do, sir.^ 

Robert — It is Alice Kingsley. Admit her. I 
will make the most of it. (Exit Klink, L.) Prince, 
this game is just warming up. If 3^ou fail me I shall 
expose your blackmail and put you behind the bars. 

Prince — Vot must I do? 

Robert — Whatever I tell you. Stand over there, 
(indicating R.,) She is coming. (Enter Alice in 
heavy cloak.) Why good evening. Miss Kingsley. 

Alice — Robert, I must see Howard at once. Won't 
you be kind enough to tell him? 

Robert — I will see if he is in his rooms, though 
I am sure he will not care to see you. (Goes right.) 

suoBERT — (To Prince.) Drive her away with in- 

Al (Exit, R.) 

Prince — Zis iss quvite a pleasant surprise. 

Alice— (Starting.) You! Why are you HERE? 

Prince — Ef you gif me dot good long sveet kees, 
I vill dell you (Advances close.) 

Alice — stand back and do not touch me. It is 
enough to haev fallen into your presence again. 

Prince — Dremember, my dear, ve are not zis 
time in your pappa's house. 

Alice — (Frightened.) Oh, Howard! Why don't 
you protect me from this brute? (Enter Robert, R.) 

Robert — (Smiling.) I'm sorry. Miss Kingsley, but 
Mr. Howard refuses to see you, and asks that you 
leave the house. 

Alice — (Lost.) Then this letter is final. (Starts 

32 



left.) Robert, I cannot bear to have him deceived 
like this. Tell him if he will not come here to see me, 
I shall go to him. 

Robert — Would you thrust yourself into his bed- 
room like that? You seem to know where it is. 

Alice — (Infuriated.) You coward! If only How- 
ard could hear you say that! 

Robert — Do not be offended because you are 
caught in his rooms at midnight when you thought 
the house was asleep. 

Prince — Ah-h-h. I see. Zis Carpenter chump iss 
some slicks. 

Alice — Robert Woolsey, these insults shall be 
choked back down your throat. I am at your mercy 
now, for I am alone. You would not dare treat me 
this way if Howard were in this house. (Tries to 
open door and finds it locked). What does this mean? 

Prince — It means dot I get dot kees. 

Alice — It doesn't matter much, now, since Howard 
doesn't care; but not until these lips are cold shall 
they be polluted by yours. The time will come 
when truth shall come into its own, and if that time 
finds me alive, it shall also find me unspotted and 
worthy. You dare not touch me. (Tap on door, L.) 

Robert — (Opens door quickly and admits Mr. C.) 

Mr. C. — (Sees Alice.) What are you doing here? 
(To Prince.) And you? Explain this Robert. 

Robert — Why, ah, ah, er, Mr. Carpenter, I'm 
very sorry it has occurred. 

Mr. C. — What has occurred? 

Robert — Why finding this woman in your son's 
rooms at midnight after she has married the Prince. 

Prince — Yez. I wish you would make her go 
hom mit me. 

Alice — Oh ! Mr. Carpenter, they lie. Protect me. 
I was driven from my father's house because I loved 
your son. I'm innocent of any wrong. 

Robert — She is here, isn't she? 

Prince — I did not bring her. She slipped out of 
bed and came. 

Alice— Speak, MR. CARPENTER. Choke their 
lying throats, and if I do not vindicate mj^self I will 
be your bond slave forever. 

Mr. C. — Alice, the proof is against you. 

Alice— (Pleadingly.) MR. CARPENTER! 

Mr. C. — I will send you wherever you wish to go 

33 



if you desire me to, provided you will make tqc a 
solemn promise. 

Alice — Thank you. I will promise. Give me 
safe conduct to Howard's ambulance, which is wait- 
ing at the front door. 

Robert — Isn't it strange that this ambulance is 
waiting at your front door.'^ 

Mr. C. — Stop, Robert. I need no further proof. 
Howard has deceived me. Alice, if you give your 
promise that you will never attempt to see my son 
again, or if he tries to see you, refuse him, I will 
protect you from any and all other unfavorable 
circumstances, for I am sure this vagabond Prince 
will bring you to want. 

Alice — I am in the hands of fiends and it is your 
duty to defend me, Mr. Carpenter. If you cannot 
read my innocence in my eyes, and choose to be mis- 
lead by these monsters, who would destroy the honor 
I have kept so far above reproach in order better to 
merit the love of your son, I can but accept the shame 
and disgrace. Leave me with them, or join them in 
my destruction, for there is no power in heaven or 
earth great enough to exact my promise that your 
son shall not know from my lips that I love him. 

Prince — Are you ready to go home mit me.^^ 

Mr. C. — If she IS your wife, and if she is guilty 
of improper love for my son, she is not yet mean 
enough to be subject to your orders. GO! (Exit 
Prince, L.) 1 Robert, send that ambulance back to 
the hospital and order my car for immediate service. 
(Exit Robert, L.) 

Alice — Mr. Carpenter, you are noble to defend 
me in this manner. 

Mr. C. — I cannot quite believe you are all bad, 
Alice, so I am merely giving you the benefit of the 
doubt. Your father tried to humiliate me, but I'm 
going to save him, until I can get Howard back to 
New York and learn the truth. If you are guilty, 
both of you shall fall together. 

Alice — AAd if we are innocent — will you promise 
that we shall both RISE together? 

Mr. C. — As high as my love and wealth can raise 
you. 

Alice — I ask no more. (Enter Robert, L.) 

Robert — The car is waiting. Do you wish me to 
go with her. 

34 



Mr. C. — She is going to a house of correction, 
Robert, but her escort shall be a gentleman. (Going 
with Alice, L.) I will see you when I return. (Exit 
with Alice, L.) 

Robert — ^And so another fine scheme goes up in 
smoke! It's a pretty hard matter to find mud thick 
enough to hide entirely a virtuous heart. 

But if you think I'm going to be defeated like this, 
you are mistaken. (Starts L.) I do not care to answer 
the old man's questions, so here goes for North 
Georgia. (Exit on falling curtain.) 

(CURTAIN.) 



ACT III. 



SCENE — Mountains, North Georgia, three days 

STAGE SETTING— Any mountain or woodland 
scene. Boxes piled up and covered with gray or 
brown cloth to imitate rocks. Leaves scattered over 
floor will add. 

PROPERTIES— Gun for Bill. Kodak for Howard. 
Fishing pole and bucket for Mammy. Revolver 
for Robert. 

COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP— Nell as mountain 
girl of eighteen. Mammy as a fat old Southern 
mammy. Bill as mountaineer. Howard in cap and 
gloves, with automobile coat. Grins in plain black 
suit, and soft hat. 

(On curtain Mammy rushes out from L., carrying 
fishing pole and bucket, and conducting herself as 
if scared of automobile, which is heard off L. Nell 
follows, laughing heartily.) 



Mammy — Lawd save us, honey. Come on heah, en 
stop dat laffin' — dis ain't no time fur foolishness. 

Nell — Why, Mammy, that thing ain't er goin' 
ter hurt yer. Them things is otto-mo-biles. I been 



35 



hearen* 'bout them things. They jest glide erlong 
nice lack. En — 

Mammy — Now honey, you done gone clean crazy. 
You try dat GLIDIN' business en you will wake up 
en fine' yo'se'f in hebben. 

Nell — Well, that would be nice. 

Mammy — Not fur dis nigger. When I goes I wants 
I wants ter go on de charriott. St Peter wouldn't 
rickernize sich er thing as dat. En besides, when I 
rides, I wants ter see some bosses in funt. Dey's 
done en gone roun' de mountain, en I hopes dey'l 
stay. Who am dat, anyhow, scootin' en cavortin' 
roun' heah.^ 

Nell — Why, it's Mr. Carpenter, what's buildin' 
the big place here in the mountains. 

Mammy — Well, den, maybe he got sense ernuf 
ter keep the fool thing straight. 

Nell — Say, Mammy, he brought a fine lookin' 
nigger back with him. 

Mammy— Wus dat er nigger ridin' in dat car.^ He 
ought ter be ershamed er heself. I thought niggers 
had more sense den dat. 

Nell — I think it would be nice ter ride in er car 
with Mr. Carpenter. 

Mammy — Honey, why done yer set up ter Mr, 
Carpenter? You'se purty ernuf. Mebbe he'd take 
er lackin' ter yer, en you'd marry him, en take me 
ter NOO YAWK ter lib wid yer. Now, I'se talkin' 
sense. 

Nell — Oh, no. Mammy. Mr. Carpenter is the 
nicest man I ever saw, but he has a sweetheart. He 
tole me so. En he loves her lots. 

Mammy — Oh, er cose. But smart folks lack him 
changes der minds, honey. 

Nell — Mammy, I'm not fit to be his wife. His 
people would laugh at me, en I'd be miserable. Be- 
sides, I love Bill. He is of my people and and will 
make me happy. Bill is goin' ter work fur Mr. 
Carpenter en get er big salary. En say, Mammy, 
Bill en me is goin' ter git married. 

Mammy — Dat's right, honey, stick ter de folks yer 
wus raised wid. I'd jest as soon hb wid yer en Mr. 
Bill anyhow. I'l wash de close, en make de bestest 
biscuits, en, en, look atter de — (Folds arms and moves 
them as if holding a baby, crooning "By-o-baby 
buntin' ") Shut up, yo' lil rascal. (Nell hides her 

36 



face in her arms embarrassed.) Dar, now, honey chile 
Ole black Mammy didn't mean no harm. (Enter Bilh 
L., gun on shoulder.) O Lawd, he dun heard it all. 

Bill — (Pleasantly.) Hello, Nell and Mammy. 
How in Sam Hill do yer 'spect me ter kill any squirls 
en you two making so much noise? 

Mammy — I wus jest tellin' her — (Nell stops her 
mouth with hand.) I ain't er goin' ter tell him honey. 

Nell — (Reaching for Bill's gun, and laughing.) 
If you do I'll shoot you. 

Bill — What is it, Mammy? I bet you two have 
been planning a joke on me. 

Nell — Say a word, ef you dare. 

Mammy — I ain't er goin' ter tell him nuffin'. He 
will know later en soon ernuf. Yes, it war er joke, 
Mr. Bill, but we all got ter git uset to dem. (Picks 
up bucket and pole and starts R.) I'se tired monekyin' 
wid you chil'n. I'se goin' on fishin'. (Leaves stage 
siilging "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," (walking 
slowly, and when leaving change to "By-o-baby 
Buntin'," looking back over shoulder.) 

Bill — Don't mind her, Nell. She don't mean no 
harm. 

Nell — ^Bill, I'm so happy. 

Bill — You are the best little girl in the world, 
Nell. You make me want ter be a bigger fellow. 
(They sit on rocks, Nell at his feet.) 

Nell — I know you love me, Bill. 

Bill — Jest all my heart will let me. Little girl, 
Mr. Carpenter says as how he wants me ter be his 
foreman on the big place here, en says he will give me 
er HUNDERD DOLLARS ER MONTH. 

Nell — Mr. Carpenter is er kind man, ain't he? 

Bill — I never seen anybody jest lack him. He's 
rich en edicated, but he makes hissef jest lack us 
mountain folks. En he lacks you, too, Nell. He tole 
me you wus the right kind. En when I tole him you 
wus my gal, he grabbed me by the hand en said as 
how he wanted ter con, con, con, glomerate me, or 
sumpin' lack tat. En he said when a man can claim a 
pure woman's love, he otter be happy. When he 
said hit he looked sad en hurt, lack he had knowed 
some gal who didn't give him a pure love, sich as you 
are givin' me, Nell. En I'm so rough, en pore, en 
unedicated. 

37 



Nell — You are good en true, Bill, en hit counts 
with me fer more'n money. Mr. Carpenter read me 
er book one time, which said as how there wus two 
kinds of love — money-love en heart-love. Mine is 
heart-love. Bill. 

Bill — I know you love me, little girl. En we ought 
ter git married. This mornin' Mr. Carpenter give 
the big boss er paper en said hit was a plan for the 
foreman's cottage. Hit's goin' ter be built out er 
stone en heated from the big buildin'. Hit's fur me 
and you, Nell. Will you marry me? (Nell is silent, 
head bowed on Bill's knee.) Don't you want ter, 
Nell.? Don't yer love good ernuf.? Yer love these 
old hills en streams — en the little fishes that play in 
them. Yer love the little flowers that grow way up 
on the rocks, en can clam and get em lack er squirrel. 
Yer love the leaves when frost has turned them all 
sorts er colors, some yallow, en green en gold, en they 
make er carpet fur yer ramblin feet. Yer love the 
mornin' when the birds are singin', en evenin', 
when the stars are shinin', en I'll keep you here to 
love em still. (Lifts her face.) I cain't read er book, 
but deep in yer tear-filled eyes I kin read more'n 
books kin hold. You ain't never kissed me, Nell. 
How much longer have I got ter wait.^^ (Nell offers 
a kiss, which, of course, he takes. Enter Mammy 
singing '*By-o-baby Buntin'," and pretending she 
does not see them.) 

Mammy — Ain't yer shamed! 

Bill — Mammy, Nell is goin' ter marry me. 

Mammy — Yer ain't tole me nuffin'. She done tole 
me hersef. (Car is heard off L.) Lawd, dar cum dat 
umbilicus ergin. 

Bill — Hit's Mr. Carpenter en he's comin' heah. 

Mammy — Doggone ef he ain't. He done cum. 
(Enter Howard and Grins.) 

Howard — Why, hello, Nell and Bill. (All shake 
hands, except Mammy and Grins.) 

Nell — Howdy, Mr. Carpenter. Glad ter see you 
back. 

Howard — Glad to be back, thank you. And there 
is Mammy. 

Mammy — (On extreme R., draws herself up.) 
I thought yer'd see ME. 

Howard — Why, of course, I'd see you. I've been 
right hungry for some of your good Southern biscuits. 

38 



Mammy — I jest guess I kin make de bestest biscuits 
er any nigger in dis neek er de woods. 

Nell — You mustn't brag on yersef, Mammy. 

Mammy — I ain't er braggin'. Jest tellin' de truf. 

Bill — That's right. Stick to it, Mammy. 

Howard — Grins, come round here. I want you 
to meet Aunt Laura. Aunt Laura, this is Grins. I 
hope you will be friends. 

Grin.s— (Who has been standing back, hat in hand.) 
Glad ter meet you. Miss Laura. (Bows low.) 

Mammy — Yer ought ter be. 

Grins — Well, ef I is, dat's alright, ain't it? 

Mammy — Er cose. Cum ober heah en sit wid me, 
Mr. Grins. (Sits on rock and makes room for Grins.) 

Grins — Massar 'Oward. I'se er gwine. (Crosses 
over and sits close beside her.) 

Howard — (Taking kodak in hand.) That would 
make a fine picture. 

Mammy — Ho, ho, hold on, dar, Massar 'Oward. 
What you doin'.^ 

Howard — Why, I want a picture of you and Grins 
sitting there on the rock. You don't care, do you? 

Mammy — Dat pends as ter how yer gits hit. What 
am dat thing you pintin' at me? 

Howard — This is a Kodak. There is a sensitized 
plate — 

Mammy — Don't pint dat sensible plate at me, EF 
YOU PLEASE. 

Grins — Why, hit won't hurt you, Miss Laura. 

Howard — You just look right in here, and I ex- 
pose you to the plate and — 

Mammy — You jest 'swell put dat thing back whar 
you got hit, fur I ain't er goin' ter be SPOSED. 

Grins — Yes, do. Miss Laura. I wants er pictur er 
I en you, ter take back ter Noo York wid me. 

Mammy — Well, den. But be careful, Massar 
'Oward. 

Howard — Now, look pleasant, while I — 

Mammy — Ho, ho, hold on, dar ergin. I'se willin', 
but dar is er question I wants ter ax. Is my ole man 
er goin' ter see how close I'se er sittin' to dis nigger? 
(Grins springs away.) 

Grins — What ole man? 

Howard — No, I won't let him see it. 

Mammy — Well, den. Cum on back heah, Mr. 
Grins. 

39 



Howard — Now be right still a minute. Ah — 
thank you. I have it. 

Mammy — Hit didn't hurt er bit. But ef my ole 
man eber sees dat pictur, dar'l be sumpin' doin* in de 
fur business, I bound yer. 

Howard — I am on my way down to the falls, Bill. 
If you and Nell will go with me, I will show you some 
real gold. 

Bill — I must go back up to the buildin' er minit. 
You en Nell go ahead, en I'll come on later. (Exit, 

L-) . . 

Howard — Grins, stay here with Mammy, we will 
be back in a few minutes. 

Grins — Alright, Massar 'Oward. You go hade. 
I'se got all de gold right heah I'se er lookin' fur. 
(Exit Howard and Nell, R.) 

Grins — Miss Laura, I thinks you goin' ter lack 
me fine. 

Mammy — I don't know bout dat. I tole yer I had 
er ole man. 

Grins — Dat's right. Yer ain't er goin' ter lack me. 

Mammy — I don't know 'bout dat. Whar duse yer 
lib.? 

Grins — In New York, wid Massar 'Oward. I'se 
his man en waits on him. 

Mammy — Any colored ladies 'bout. 

Grins— NO-0-0-0. 

Mammy — Well den. (Sees kodak which Howard 
left.) Look out dar. Massar 'Oward lef dat pictur 
machine. You better put dat thing under yo' coat. 

Grins — (Taking it up.) I knows how ter wuk it. 
Let me take yer pictur. 

Mammy — You'se foolish nigger, ef yer thinks I'se 
guin ter risk you wid dat thing. 

Grins — Oh, I knows all about her. I'se got ter 
leab yer sometime, en I wants er pictur ter 'member 
how yer looks. 

Mammy — Duse yer really want ter 'member how 
I looks? 

Grins — I sho' duse. 

Mammy — Well den. Be careful, Mr. Grins. I'se 
trustin' yer mighty fur. 

Grins — You'se in safe hands. Miss Laura. Now, 
look sweet, whils I git er focus. 

Mammy — Nigger, you take dat thing erway fum 
heah, afore hit FOCUSES. 

40 



Grins — Why, dat is er part er takin' de pictur. 

Mammy — Well, den, dar ain't er goin' ter be no 
pictur. Massar 'Oward didn't haf ter have no FOCUS 
en I ain't er goin' ter let you. 

Grins — Alright, den, we'll jest leab hit out. Now 
look pleasant. (Mammy poses. This work may be 
carried on ad lib. if characters are good, but do not 
tire audience. When finished, Mammy says:) 

Mammy — Hide dat thing, yonder cum er stranger. 

Grins — (Looks L.) Dat walks lack Mister Robert, 
but he got whiskers. Lawd, Miss Laura, he's comin' 
heah. 

Mammy — I'se gwine down ter de falls. (Goes R.) 

Grins — (Going with her.) En I'se gwin ter stay 
right wid yer. (Enter Robert, disguised.) 

Robert — Say, old man, whose car is that out there .^^ 

Grins — Dat's Massar 'Oward's cah. Duse yer 
want ter see him? 

Mammy — I'll go tell him. 

Grins — We'll bofe go tell him. 

Robert — No, never mind. I'll stroll here in the 
mountains until he comes back. 

Grins — No, sah, we'l go tell him. 

Robert — Stop! I don't want you to. You both 
go back this way. 

Grins — Say, Mistah, ain't yer Mr Robert. 

Robert — NAW. 

Grins — Yes, yer is. (Looking at him closely.) 
Yes, yer is. What yer want ter skeer de ole nigger 
lack dat fur? 

Robert — (Drawing gun, which frightens negroes.) 

(Enter Bill, L., gun in hand ) If you don't go back 
to the settlement, like I tell you, I will fill both of you 
full of lead. 

Bill— I say, stranger, (QUICKLY), GIVE ME 
THAT GUN! (Robert hands revolver over.) Now 
give me a real good reason why they ought ter go back 
to the settlement. 

Robert — (Pleasantly.) O, now, my friend, I was 
just having some fun out of them. I wouldn't 
hurt either for anything. 

Bill — (Handing him revolver.) Then excuse me. 
I didn't know. You see, here in the mountains, we 
believe in fair play. Never two agin one, or one 
ergin two. Jest fair play. 

Grins — I'se er gwin ter tell Massar 'Oward you 

41 



cum. Cum on, Miss Laura, I'se erfeard ter leab yer 
heah widout de pertection uv er genman. (Exit 
Grins and Mammy, R.) 

Bill — Do you know Mr. Carpenter? 

Robert — Well, I've seen him a few times. Where 
is he stopping here in the mountains. 

Bill — Up thar at my gal's house. Nell Toones. 
He's er fine fellow. 

Robert — (Aside.) I'll make him jealous, and he'll 
kill him for me. (To Bill.) O, I see? That is just 
like Mr. Carpenter. He often strays off to some pretty 
girl's house and plays up some great scheme to her 
parents. Gets the girl in love with him and for 
awhile takes her away from some good honest fellow 
who loves her. Then sends her back home to weep 
on the shoulder of her first love. 

Bill — Ye're purty smart fellow, ain't yer. That's 
comin' purty stout. Kinder slow down on hit er 
bit. 

Robert — Yes, it's pretty stout, but that is the 
only way to put it. 

Bill — I don't believe he'd do sich er thing as that, 
but ef he would, the gal up thar wouldn't let him. 
You go learn something 'bout er mountain girl. 

Robert — O, they are pretty, have fine figures and 
all that. But that is the only kind he likes. 

Bill — I like 'em, too, stranger. They are purty, 
en have roses in their cheeks, en then some. They 
are as pure as the air they breathe, en as solid as the 
rocks they play on. En when one tells you she will 
be true, stake yer life on hit, stranger, fur she is all 
she says she is. 

Robert — Alright. You go on dreaming about 
your Nell, and you will wake up some fine morning 
to find her gone. 

Bill — STOP! You are insultin' me. I've let 
you go too fur already. (Pulling off coat.) I don't 
like ter fight, but Nell's my fightin' pint. 

Robert — Now, my friend, you are not going to 
misunderstand me like that, I know. Your girl is 
all you say she is, but that does not make the man 
a gentleman. I thought you might not know this 
fellow, and I wanted you to be on guard. He might 
mistreat her, and you would want to be close by. 

Bill — If he or anybody else mistreats Nell Toone, 
he pays me with his life. 

42 



Robert — (Aside.) He's my man. (To Bill.) As 
I came up the mountain I thought I saw a man and 
woman way down yonder alone in the secrecy of the 
rocks. Who was that.^^ 

Bill — That was Mr. Carpenter and my sweetheart. 

Robert — My friend, don't be angry with me be- 
cause I have cautioned you, but I beg you not to 
permit them to be alone in this way. 

Bill — I'm not af eared. (Robert looks, R.) 

Robert — Look ! I see them now. (Bill looks care- 
lessly at first, gradually falling into the trap.) See 
how close he leans to her ear. See how she gazes up 
at the mountain side. He is pouring a tale of love 
into her ear, such as you never heard. Look at his 
arm. 

Bill — Isn't it on the rock behind her.'^ 

Robert — Yes, it is on the rock behind her, but soon 
it will encircle her. 

Bill — (In a fury.) I'll kill him. (Robert stops 
him.) 

Robert — Not now. You might kill your girl. 
They are coming. Let's hide until they are closer. 
(Both exit, L. Enter Nell and Howard, R.) 

Nell — That was a great plan you were telling me 
Mr. Carpenter, en hit makes me mighty happy. We 
are goin' ter remember always how good you are to us. 
(Enter Bill and Robert, L., and listen.) 

Howard — Are you sure you love well enough to 
get married. It is a very serious matter. 

Nell — O, my love is alright. I can learn how ter 
be a good wife. (Bill examines locks of gun.) 

Bill — Death is too good fur him. 

Howard — I'm going to do all I can to make you 
happy, Nell. Bill is a noble fellow (Bill lowers gun 
and listens intently) and deserves your love. 

Nell — And when you come ter see us, we will 
give you the best we got. 

Bill — (Rushes from behind rock, taking off his 
hat and saying with feeling.) Mr. Carpenter, I was 
mean enough ter steal up behind that rock ter hear 
what yer was say in' ter Nell. I'm ashamed of it, sir, 
and ask yer pardon. (Robert draws revolver and 
shoots Howard down, breaking to run. Bill levels 
gun he is holding in hands on him.) STOP! you 
infamous dog, or I'll kill you. (Hands gun to Nell.) 
Bring him back, Nell, I want him. (Nell takes gun 

43 



and rushes out, L., returning immediately with Robert 
in front of her and covered by the gun.) (In mean- 
time Bill has stooped over Howard and hastily 
examined him.) He has killed you. 

Nell— O, Bill, is he dead ? 

Grins — (Enters hurriedly from R. Seeing what has 
happened, falls over Howard.) O, Massar 'Oward! 
Who done dis.'^ 

Bill — He's bleeding to death. What can we do? 
Let's get a doctor. 

Nell — Let's take him to a good one. 

Bill — Hit's fifty miles ter Chattanooga. 

Grins — Dat car er his'n out dar '1 do dat fifty 
miles in fifty minutes, ef somebody '1 hole hit in de 
road. 

Bill — Can you run it? 

Grins — No, sah, but (pointing to Robert) but dat's 
Mister Robert, en he kin. (Bill goes up to Robert, 
jerking off false whiskers roughly.) You mean, lying, 
common, yaller dog. Kin yer run er car? 

Robert — Naw, I can't. 

Bill — Don't lie ter me, or I'll pull yer blame head 
off. You tried ter kill him, now yer are goin' ter save 
him. Help us take him up, (all take him up) en be 
as tender as er woman. (When off stage). Take his 
head in yer lap, Nell. Crank er up. Grins. Now, 
stranger, to Chattanooga, en don't furgit, I'M 
BEHIND YER. 

(As curtain falls, try, if possible, to imitate a car 
leaving in a burst of speed, growing more distant. 
This is easily done with a motorcycle off L., by closing 
muflSer gradually. If this is not convenient, use 
automobile horn with good effect.) 



44 



ACT IV. 

SCENE 1 — Operating room, Chattanooga Hos- 
pital; thirty-six hours later. 

STAGE SETTING— Any plain white room will 
do. Two operating tables. (.Your town 'physicians 
will gladly lend these, or if not, use two^ordinary cots, 
with legs pieced out so as to raise about three feet. 
Cover cots with white sheets.) Small table for 
clean white porcelain pan for sterilizing instruments. 

Place Howard on front table in center of stage, 
feet to L., and cover with sheet. Absorbent cotton 
on right side of throat, colored red. Powder his face 
to show loss of blood. He should be unconscious. 
Nurse standing by table of instruments. 

Place other table immediately behind Howard, 
foot to right, and overlapping first table about three 
feet. Dr. Bassett sitting by Howard in close atten- 
tion. (If your town physicians will take these parts, 
you will find it a great advantage. If this cannot be 
done, asks their assistance in rehearsal. The scene 
is most extraordinary and should be well rendered. 
Its effect is good.) 

MAKE-UP — Use dignified dress as much as pos- 
sible. If all the doctors are in Prince Alberts, the 
effect is fine, but if only few of these coats are 
available, give them to Mr. Carpenter and Dr. 
May ben. 



Dr. Bassett — (Holding pulse.) Be careful, nurse, 
to have everything in perfect order. They will be 
here in a short time. 

Nurse — I think everything is ready. (Enter 
Dr. Speight ) 

Dr. Bassett — Good-morning, Dr. Speight. 

Dr. Speight — How is the patient by now? 

Dr. Bassett — He is losing very fast, but holds 
on miraculously. 

Dr. Speight — (Advances to table.) Is he mortally 
wounded.^ 

Dr. Bassett — I fear he is. When he was brought 
in from the mountains, there was scarcely a drop of 
blood in his body. It would have been easy to save 

45 



him if we could have attended him more promptly. 
His wound is not serious beyond the bleeding. 

Dr. Speight — Too bad! Too bad! Who is he, 
anyway? He must be somebody of note, judg- 
ing from the way the wires are being burnt up with 
dispatches. 

Dr. Bassett — From papers found on his person, 
and information given by his old negro valet, we take 
him to be Howard Carpenter, of New York. 

Dr. Speight — Great Scott! How strange this is. 

Dr. Bassett — Yes, it is not often that we have 
so wealthy a patient in this hospital. We under- 
stand that he is worth about $100,000,000.00. 

Dr. Speight — If that is really Howard Carpenter 
you have there, you have named the smallest part 
of his real worth. He is the boy founder of the 
greatest hospital in the great city of New York, 
and the best friend the poor and down-trodden have 
ever known. 

Dr. Bassett — Is that so? I might have known. 
I have been so busy trying to save his life I forgot 
the personality of the man. But I could not have 
done more for him had he been my brother. 

Dr. Speight — Has his father been advised? 

Dr. Bassett — O, yes. We notified him at once, 
and received a message to spare neither men nor money 
to save his life. His father left almost instantly on 
board a special, and has with him the greatest living 
surgeon. Dr. Mayben, their family physician, Dr. 
King, and special nurses, and if they keep up their 
schedule, they will be here in a short time. My 
heavens, man, that train is setting the world afire. 
We heard from them at Philadelphia, Washington, 
Lynchburg, Bristol, and Knoxville, with almost un- 
believable speed. I fancy I can see his old, anxious 
father feeding the engineer's pocket with gold and 
begging him for just a little more speed. But I fear 
it is useless. The last message advised preparation 
for the transfusion of blood. Do you think it the 
proper thing to do? 

Dr. Speight — It is all that can be done. Dr. 
Mayben is a great surgeon, and has performed some 
unbelievable work. I shall stay to see the operation. 
Have you anyone to give the blood? 

Dr. Bassett — We supposed he was on board the 
special. 

46 



Dr. Speight — Perhaps so, but we must not en- 
danger this young man's life by our neghgence. Most 
any of the young physicians here in the hospital 
would volunteer if they knew who he is. 

Nurse — (Going to window.) The special is com- 
ing in now. My! but it is splitting the city wide 
open. Why do they let a train run so recklessly? 

Dr. Bassett — There is money behind it, nurse. 

Nurse — Money can do a great many things, but 
it cannot defeat death. 

Dr. Speight — We shall soon know. How beautiful 
to have lived so that when the end comes, money and 
all other material things are counted as but cheap 
weapons with which to fight it. 

Nurse — They are clearing the street of traffic. 
There comes a car running like mad. Shall I stay, 
Doctor? 

Dr. Bassett — Yes, stay. Is everything prepared? 

Nurse — All that I know to prepare. 

(Enter Mr. C, Dr. King, Dr. Mayben and Alice, 
in heavy veil.) 

Mr. C. — (Anxiously.) How is my son? 

Dr. Bassett — Still alive, sir. 

Mr. C— Thank God. Gentlemen, this is Dr. King 
and Dr. Mayben. Let them have full charge. (Dr. 
Bassett and Dr. Speight move away to R. Dr. 
King hastily examines Howard. Alice goes to head 
of table and kneels. Dr. Mayben stands aside, wait- 
ing.) 

Dr. King — There is no use to examine him further, 
Mr. Carpenter. It is my sad duty to tell you I never 
saw a living man further in the shadows, and I fear 
the end of this great life is here. (Alices raises up 
and kisses Howard on forehead ) 

Alice — ^Howard! Speak to me. 

Mr. C. — Who is that woman? 

Dr. King — The best nurse in New York, Mr. 
Carpenter. 

Dr. Mayben — Do you think it too late for the 
operation? 

Dr. King — It is never too late to try, Doctor. 

Dr. Mayben — Mr. Carpenter, we have but one 
chance to save his life. This is by the transfusion of 
blood. 

Mr. C. — (Offering arm.) There, take every drop 
of it, sir. 

47 



Dr. Mayben — You are too old, Mr. Carpenter. 

Mr. C. — (To Dr. Speight.) Send out for a proper 
person. I will pay any price. Be quick! 

Alice — (Rising.) Doctor, will my blood do? 

Dr. Mayben — No, nurse, it must be fresh, strong, 
young blood, or it would damage rather than save him. 

Mr. C. — I shall not forget your generosity. Nurse, 
and shall reward you for it 

Alice — The giving would be its own reward. I 
do not want your gold, Mr. Caprenter. This life is 
what I want. God gave it to me, and I claim my 
own. (Disguises.) 

Mr C. — (Surprised.) My God! Alice Kingsley! 

Alice — You hate me, sir, and would not have your 
son indebted to me for such an office as this, but on 
the heart of a true woman, I swear that it shall never 
be used by me to influence him, if by the act, he is 
lifted up and restored to you. Dr. Mayben, there is 
danger in delay. This life you seek to save is fast 
drifting away from me. Let me reach out and reclaim 
it. (Bears arm to shoulder and thrusts it out to him.) 
There is blood. PURE FRESH, STRONG, YOUNG 
BLOOD. Take freely as long as my poor heart 
will pump it forth. 

Dr. Mayben — (To Mr. C.) Have you any ob- 
jection.'^ 

Mr. C.— How could I.? 

Dr. Mayben — Then let's proceed. (Goes R. with 
Dr. King.) Prepare their arms. Nurse. (Exit R. 
Have two operating gowns ready, so that Dr. Mayben 
and Dr. King may take off their coats and get into 
them as quickly as possible, returning to table. In 
meantime Nurse has rubbed Alice's arm, as if steriliz- 
ing it.) 

Dr. King — Place her (Alice) on the table. I 
think I had better give you an anaesthetic, Alice. 

Alice — No. I want to remain conscious and watch 
and pray. "Dear God, guide these skilful hands and 
raise him up." I am ready. (Offers arm.) 

Dr. Mayben — (Gruffly.) Hand me the scalpel. 

(Nurse hands instrument.) 

(NOTE — This scalpel should be fixed as follows: 
Take a bright instrument and fasten along the back 
side a rubber tube filled with a red fluid, to imitate 
blood. When Dr. Mayben opens the arm he should 
squeeze it so as to allow blood to flow over A ice's 



48 



arm in plain view of audience. Not working too 
fast. When the veins have been opened, connect 
with rubber tube, each doctor holding one to vein. 
After short space, Dr. King, who has been holding 
pulse, examines Howard's eyes and listens to heart 
beat.) 

Dr. King — His pulse is growing stronger and more 
regular. (Mr. C. is rejoiced.) 

Dr. Mayben — (Makes same examination and 
exclaims.) He is saved. (During this operation 
nurse has been closely watching Alice. Dr. King 
and Dr. Mayben proceed to bandage arms.) 

Dr. Speight — Let me say, Dr. Mayben, that is 
what I call robbing the grave. 

Dr. Bassett — Wonderful, wonderful! 

Dr. Mayben — Thank you, gentlemen. 

Mr. C. — Dr. Mayben, and you, gentlemen, who 
kept him alive against our arrival, I cannot express 
my gratitude to you. Ask what you will. Nothing 
is too good for you. My eyes are opening to a wider 
view of life. I have never cared for anything but 
piling up gold, not caring what suffering and want 
followed in the wake of my transactions. But I 
now publicly acknowledge to all the world a debt 
which shall be paid with interest. Howard's great 
work shall never want money again. That poor 
mountaineer who gave his last penny and would have 
given his life to bring my son here to you, is far richer 
than I am because he holds in his heart the satis- 
faction of having measured up to the standard of a 
man in faithful and full service to his fellow man. 
And that marvelous creature v/ho lay there and gave 
her precious blood until she has gone far into the 
shadows, how shall I ever requite her love? I have 
no gold pure enough, no diamond bright enough, 
to offer her. Indeed it will take something better 
than gold. 

Alice — (In faint voice.) If you would requite 
my poor service, Mr. Carpenter, I ask that you 
take away the sting caused by that letter. (Hands 
letter.) 

Mr. C. — (After reading the letter.) The arch- 
fiend of hell Robert Woolsey wrote that. And for 
every sting it has caused your heart, his shall feel 
a thousand. Howard never felt that way towards 
you, Alice. The night he thought you had married 

49 



the Prince, he talked to me as he had never done 
before. I shall never forget the triumph of his 
strength when he said, "She has been faithless, and 
it crushes me, but I love her, and thank God I feel 
no blame for her.' 

Alice — Then he still loves me. Dr. King, when 
may I see him? 

Dr. King — In the morning, Alice. 

(CURTAIN.) 

ACT IV. 

SCENE 2— Howard's ward. Same. 

STAGE SETTING— Plain white room. Howard 
on cot. Nurse standing by. Dr. King by side of 
bed. 

Dr. King — How has he rested since I left him. 

Nurse — Just beautifully. He has been talking 
just a little about a Princess, and how he loves her. 
He seems to have been disappointed in a love affair. 

Dr. King — That girl who gave her blood is the 
Princess of whom he is dreaming. When he awakes 
and learns the truth there will be no further danger 
of his recovery. She will love him back to life. 

Nurse — Was that woman his sweetheart? I 
thought she was a nurse. 

Dr. King — Ha ha. She is a nurse. When I 
heard of this awful attempt on Howard's life, I knew 
she would want to be with him, so I went to her and 
proposed to bring her under disguise. Wasn't that 
romantic? 

Nurse — It was good of you. (Howard moves.) 

Dr. King — He is waking. Howard? Howard? 
(Wakes him.) Howard, do you know me? 

Howard — (Slowly.) It is Dr. King. 

Dr. King — Do you know where you are? 

Howard — No. I cannot just make out. Where 
am I and what has happened? 

Dr. King — You have had an accident and are 
very weak from loss of blood. You must be quiet. 

Howard — Does father know? 

Dr. King — Yes. He is here. 

Howard — Does Alice — O — but she wouldn't care. 

Dr. King — Nobody in all the world cares Hke 
Alice. 

Howard — O, Dr. King, do not torture me. You 
do not know all. Let me forget her. 

Dr. King — I'm a pretty wise old fellow, Howard. 

50 



I know better than you do that AKce is as true as 
steel. 

Howard — Would you mock me while I am so 
helpless? 

Dr. King — I am telling you the truth, Howard. 
You were almost a dead man. Fresh blood had to be 
put into your veins that you might live. It was 
Alice who gave that blood. 

Howard — Are you telling me a lie? 

Dr. King — No. Can't you believe me? 

Howard — She was already a part of me, but her 
blood was not in my veins. Now I can never forget 
her as I should. I must never see her sweet face 
again. I love her too much. She is another man's 
wife. You mean well, and you are my friend, but do 
not say more. Sometime you will know why I ask it. 
Before she goes won't you thank her for me? 

Dr. King — Why don't you thank her? 

Howard — It would hurt, and I have suffered 
enough. (Enter Alice, L.) 

Dr. King — She is here, Howard. (Dr. King and 
Nurse stand aside.) 

Alice — (To Dr. King.) May I see him? 

Dr. King — Be careful not to excite him. (Alice 
advances to cot.) 

Howard — I have just heard of your great gener- 
osity. Princess Bavari, and I thank you from the 
bottom of my heart for stooping so low. 

Alice — (Stroking his forehead.) Do you think I 
have stooped so very low, Howard? 

Howard — Howard! It sounds mighty sweet to 
hear you say my name again, and your touch thrills 
me as no other could; but it must not be. 

Alic — Don't you know I love you better than the 
world? Say you love me. Do not let me suffer this 
loneliness any longer. 

Howard — For pity's sake do not feed my hungry 
soul on such vain hope, or I shall forget you are a 
princess. 

Alice — I am greater than a PRINCESS, Howard. 
I am a woman in love. My heart is as free as you 
would have it, and it is yours. 

Howard — (Seeing the truth.) ALICE: 

Alice — Tell me you will never doubt me again. 

Howard — Little girl, I was a coward to doubt you. 
You know I love you better than my own life. (Alice 

51 



leans over and kisses him.) Though all the heavens 
fall, I shall always know you are standing true. 
(Holds up bandaged arm.) And through the years 
before us I shall never forget that your blood inter- 
mingles in my veins with my blood, and coursing 
through my heart shall always keep it pure and clean. 

Alice — That is a sweet compliment. I am weak 
and faint, and cannot stay with you longer. When I 
am stronger, I will come back and sit with you. Be 
a good boy now, and go to sleep. 

Howard — And dream the old story of love. 

(CURTAIN.) 



END. 



62 



■ililiii 

018 407 294 4 • 






-IBSO] 

JENl 



